for the sake of settling the debate....

[sussexmuzllodr]

Pictured is the bore on my 1993 T/C New Englander. Almost Thirty years old. I have used both pyrodex and Holy Black through the years. Ball and patch and T/C conicals cast at home. Sometimes lubed sometimes not. This bore has survived into old age because....each and every time the bore was completely cleaned of residue regardless of propellant used. Living proof that proper care and maintenance is job one. Went to the range today and pinged steel at 100 yards. 20 shots- missed maybe on four. off the bench. Wet patch between shots was all it took to keep shooting. Hope the real life longevity experiment clears it up for some.

 

[Kansas Jake]

Decent cleaning after shooting is the secret. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Yup.

 

[Nor Cal Mikie]

My issue was NOT checking ever so often. Not the same as center fire rigs. I can clean/oil and put away with no issues. In the same room, BP rifles, cleaned, oiled, put away and after a while, I see 'fuzz" in the barrels. Blamed it on the BP but thinking not, just need to be played with more. Exterior sufaces, no issues. Oil them if you got em!!

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

I use a kerosene soaked patch as well as Dawn DD and warm water. Swab until the patch comes out clean.